The Government has appointed another commissioner to oversee Liverpool City Council following 'serious shortcomings' around financial management and senior leadership.

Stephen Hughes has been appointed finance commissioner with new powers over governance, financial decision-making and recruitment.

Mr Hughes, who previously worked as interim chief executive at Bristol City Council, has been tasked with ensuring Liverpool agrees a balanced budget and delivers value for money for the taxpayer.

The latest report in June criticised the council for its slow progress in driving improvement measures.

Liverpool's lead commissioner Mike Cunningham said: 'Our last report, written in June, identified significant areas of failure at Liverpool City Council.

'We welcome the secretary of state's decision to expand the intervention and warmly welcome Stephen Hughes' appointment as finance commissioner, who joins the team at a critical point in the intervention.

'We have been encouraged by the progress the council has made under the leadership of the interim chief executive and interim director of finance in recent months.

'However, the council faces substantial challenges in the next year, not least in agreeing a balanced budget, holding all-out elections and delivering a transformative improvement programme.'

The council pointed out the report had been written before some recent improvements and changes in the organisation.